An incredibly talented award-winning singer‚ a TV host and personality‚ a loving mom who always takes pride in letting her kids involved in her performances‚ and a genuine dog-lover – all that‚ ladies and gentlemen‚ is Kelly Clarkson. She’s definitely a total package both off and on camera. Her vibrant personality and positive outlook always... The post Kelly Clarkson completely ‘melts’ with excitement during adorable puppy interview appeared first on Animal Channel.

In a heartwarming tale of unexpected friendship‚ a stray kitten found herself in the safe embrace of the Sacramento Fire Department after being rescued from a 90-foot-tall palm tree. This fuzzy little explorer had climbed so high that she couldn’t make her way back down. After her plaintive meows caught the attention of concerned passersby‚... The post Tiny freezing stray kitten ‘knocks’ on fire station window and begs for their help appeared first on Animal Channel.

The post Clothes You Should Never Wear After Age 50 appeared first on Animal Channel.

Stephen Colbert‚ Biden fundraiser and host of The Late Show on CBS‚ demanded on Monday that those who condemned President Biden for issuing a proclamation on Easter Sunday recognizing Transgender Day of Visibility get over it because Biden‚ apparently‚ has nothing to do with his own actions and because Easter sometimes falls on different days. It was a sentiment echoed by NBC Late Night host Seth Meyers as both men claimed conservatives are hypocrites for not being outraged that Easter sometimes falls on April Fools' Day. Colbert was up first‚ and he‚ a supposedly devout Catholic‚ didn’t see what the big deal was‚ “Over the weekend‚ Trump also attacked Biden over the fact that Easter‚ this year‚ coincided with Transgender Day of Visibility. So what? And Biden had nothing to do with that. Since 2009‚ International Transgender Day of Visibility has been held annually on March 31. The date of Easter‚ meanwhile‚ changes from year to year.”     Sure‚ Biden didn’t have anything to do with the selection of March 31‚ but he absolutely had something to do with the proclamation. Nobody forced the White House to do that. However‚ Biden was just getting started‚ “I've got some bad news for people who are upset that another thing was celebrated on Easter this year because it's gonna keep happening. In 2029‚ Easter is going to fall on April Fools' Day. Oh! So my religion is a big joke to you? Is that what it is? Or are you claiming that Jesus didn't actually rise from the dead? It was all a big prank on the apostles. You got Jesus'd! And smoke 'em if you got 'em‚ because just next year‚ Easter falls on 4/20.” If Biden issued a proclamation celebrating drug use on Easter‚ that would also be wrong. April Fools' Day‚ on the other hand‚ is a fun day that is not contrary to Easter. Transgenderism‚ on the other hand‚ relies on the premise that God made a mistake in creating someone male or female. If God makes mistakes‚ He is not perfect. If he is not perfect‚ He is not God. If He is not God‚ He could not have rose from the dead on that first Easter Sunday.     Later‚ on NBC‚ Meyers introduced a series of news clips from Fox and CNN of the conservative pushback to Biden’s proclamation‚ “But Trump's lunacy is not an aberration within the GOP. It's the norm. They spent all weekend furious about the fact that Transgender Day of Visibility just happened to fall on the same day as Easter this year‚ and they blamed it on Joe Biden rather than the real reason‚ the calendar.” After the montage‚ Meyers took the opportunity to do some “but Trump” whataboutism. Referencing a Trump post on Truth Social‚ Meyers huffed‚ “Yeah‚ we should have a more respectful Easter proclamation that puts the emphasis where it's deserved. Evil Fani Willis‚ Sick Jack Smith‚ and the corrupt judges and prosecutors who despise America. Not only did Trump not mention religion in his screed‚ everyone who read it took the Lord's name in vain. Jesus [bleep] Christ with this guy.” Like Colbert‚ Meyers also tried to suggest that Biden had nothing to do with his own proclamation and that Transgender Day of Visibility is analogous to April Fools' Day‚ “I can't believe I have to explain this‚ but sometimes two things happen on the same day. For example‚ in 2018‚ Easter and April Fools' were the same day‚ and I don't recall any Republicans going on Fox and claiming‚ the sacred resurrection of Christ has been sullied by all these frivolous pranks and goofs‚ although who can forget when Mary Magdalene rushed to Jesus' tomb‚ discovered it was empty‚ and told Peter and John‚ ‘My dudes‚ I think we've been pranked.’"  Indeed‚ two things can happen on the same day‚ such as two late night hosts completely missing the point. Here is a transcript for the April 1-taped shows: CBS The Late Show with Stephen Colbert 4/1/2023 11:41 PM ET STEPHEN COLBERT: But in the world of made up outrage‚ there's always Plan B. Over the weekend‚ Trump also attacked Biden over the fact that Easter‚ this year‚ coincided with Transgender Day of Visibility. So what? And Biden had nothing to do with that. Since 2009‚ International Transgender Day of Visibility has been held annually on March 31. The date of Easter‚ meanwhile‚ changes from year to year. Of course everyone knows the formula for setting the date of Easter.  AUDIENCE: The first Sunday after the first full moon on or after the vernal equinox.  COLBERT: See? I've got some bad news for people who are upset that another thing was celebrated on Easter this year because it's gonna keep happening. In 2029‚ Easter is going to fall on April Fools' Day. Oh! So my religion is a big joke to you? Is that what it is? Or are you claiming that Jesus didn't actually rise from the dead? It was all a big prank on the apostles. You got Jesus'd! And smoke 'em if you got 'em‚ because just next year‚ Easter falls on 4/20.  *** NBC Late Night with Seth Meyers 4/2/2024 12:45 PM ET SETH MEYERS: But Trump's lunacy is not an aberration within the GOP. It's the norm. They spent all weekend furious about the fact that Transgender Day of Visibility just happened to fall on the same day as Easter this year‚ and they blamed it on Joe Biden rather than the real reason‚ the calendar.  VICTOR BLACKWELL: Republicans are criticizing the White House over a statement that acknowledges today‚ March 31st‚ as the Transgender Day of Visibility. Their issue is that today is also Easter.  AMARA WALKER: This year the two days only coincided by chance. The Day of Visibility is held every year on March 31st while the date for Easter changes year to year.  LUCAS TOMLINSON: House Speaker Mike Johnson rebuked Biden‚ saying‚ quote‚ "The Biden White House has betrayed the central tenet of Easter‚ which is the resurrection of Jesus Christ‚ banning sacred truth and tradition while at the same time proclaiming Easter Sunday as Transgender Day."  LISA BOOTHE: Well‚ this is a clear effort and a coordinated effort to remove God from our society and to replace God with false gods‚ and in this instance‚ it's the trans community.  MEYERS: Yeah‚ we should have a more respectful Easter proclamation that puts the emphasis where it's deserved. Evil Fani Willis‚ Sick Jack Smith‚ and the corrupt judges and prosecutors who despise America. Not only did Trump not mention religion in his screed‚ everyone who read it took the Lord's name in vain. Jesus [bleep] Christ with this guy.  I can't believe I have to explain this‚ but sometimes two things happen on the same day. For example‚ in 2018‚ Easter and April Fools' were the same day‚ and I don't recall any Republicans going on Fox and claiming‚ the sacred resurrection of Christ has been sullied by all these frivolous pranks and goofs‚ although who can forget when Mary Magdalene rushed to Jesus' tomb‚ discovered it was empty‚ and told Peter and John‚ "My dudes‚ I think we've been pranked." 

Click Below to Skip Ahead Characteristics Temperament Intelligence Food &; Diet Exercise Health Training Grooming Fun Facts Humans have always tried to create unique breeds of dogs that have the “best of both worlds” from two popular breeds. Regarding mixed breed dogs‚ the Sharberian Husky‚ a cross between the Chinese Shar Pei and Siberian Husky‚ is a captivating and unique hybrid. This mix of two distinct breeds results in a dog that has both the independent and loyal nature of the Shar Pei‚ along with the energetic and social characteristics of the Husky. In this article‚ we’ll delve into the history‚ care requirements‚ size information‚ health issues‚ and some interesting facts about this one-of-a-kind canine companion. Breed Overview Height:22–27 inches Weight:40–60 pounds Lifespan:12–15 years Colors:White‚ cream‚ brown‚ black‚ fawn Suitable for:Active families or singles‚ experienced dog owners‚ families with older children Temperament:Loyal &; loving to their humans‚ independent‚ a bit stubborn‚ protective‚ harder to train Sharberian Huskies can inherit various characteristics from both parent breeds‚ and their appearance‚ temperament‚ and needs can vary widely. The physical characteristics of a Shar Pei and Husky mix can be quite diverse. They may have a medium-sized to large build‚ a curled tail‚ and distinctive facial wrinkles from the Shar Pei parent. The coat is usually a mix of the two breeds’ traits and can come in various colors and patterns. Their eyes can be brown‚ blue‚ or a combination of both. Many mutts and mixed breed dogs with one blue eye have some Husky heritage in their family tree. Sharberian Husky Puppies View this post on Instagram A post shared by Grizzly the Sharberian Husky (@sharbearian) Sharberian Husky puppies will grow up to be energetic‚ social‚ and loyal companions that can exhibit a mix of traits from their Shar Pei and Husky parent breeds. Providing them with proper training‚ socialization‚ grooming‚ and care is essential to ensure they grow into well-behaved and happy adult dogs. Because they usually inherit their Shar Pei parent’s stubborn and independent nature‚ beginning a training routine as early as possible is essential. Additionally‚ their unique appearance and striking eyes make them an adorable choice for those looking to bring a mixed-breed puppy into their home. To find a Sharberian Husky puppy‚ it is best to go through a breeder or a rescue organization to ensure they are actually Sharberian. Image Credit: Left – Marcelino Pozo Ruiz‚ Shutterstock | Right – BARBARA808‚ Pixabay Temperament &; Intelligence of the Sharberian Husky Shar Peis are known for their loyalty‚ independence‚ and protectiveness‚ while Huskies are often characterized as social‚ energetic‚ and friendly. A Shar Pei and Husky mix can exhibit a blend of these traits. They are generally loyal and protective of their families and can be good watchdogs‚ but they may also be social and enjoy interacting with people and other dogs. Are These Dogs Good for Families? Sharberian Huskies are a good choice for families with older children who have homes with plenty of fenced-in yard space. This breed is naturally very protective and may inadvertently be too aggressive towards young children they are trying to keep safe. They also tend to be food-aggressive; young children leaving food around the home or walking around with snacks could trigger aggression in Sharberian Huskies. While both their parent breeds have distinct personalities‚ being overly affectionate is not typically a part of who they are. If you’re looking for a lap dog that loves to cuddle and be petted‚ it would be best not to consider the Sharberian Husky for your family. Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets? Both yes and no. Their aggressive streak can lead to barking or nips at mealtime and around dogs that are very physically playful. Especially if their humans are around‚ Sharberian Huskies can become very protective‚ a trait that can manifest in minor aggression. This breed‚ despite having ancestors who were bred for hunting‚ does not have what is known as a high prey drive. Dogs with a high prey drive are compelled to chase down and potentially harm cats and other smaller animals. Sharberians‚ luckily‚ can live in peace with other pets if socialization happens early and consistently. View this post on Instagram A post shared by á—·Iá—©á‘Žá‘•á—©‚ á—·Eá—©á–‡‚ ᗩᖇᒪO &; KEᐯIá‘Ž (@bear_n_arlo) Things to Know When Owning a Sharberian Husky Food &; Diet Requirements Sharberian Huskies need about 3 cups of high-quality dry dog food per day. Because they are prone to joint issues‚ choose one that contains omega-3 fatty acids. As with any dog breed‚ mixed or otherwise‚ provide a constant source of freshwater. Exercise A Sharberian Husky is likely to inherit the high energy levels of the Siberian Husky. Daily exercise is essential to keep them content and healthy. Long walks‚ playtime‚ and mental stimulation are vital for this breed. Engaging in hiking‚ agility training‚ and interactive games will help them release their seemingly boundless energy. They will also need a lot of vigorous play. These dogs can become destructive if they aren’t given an outlet for their energy‚ so be prepared to spend between an hour and two hours a day walking‚ running‚ and playing with your pup. Training While the Sharberian Husky is intelligent‚ they can also be a bit stubborn. Positive reinforcement-based training methods work best with this breed. Early socialization is crucial to ensure they are well-behaved around other pets and people. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Zuri (@zuri.sharberianhusky) Grooming The grooming requirements of a Shar Pei and Husky mix will depend on the coat they inherit. Grooming will be relatively low maintenance if they have a shorter coat‚ like Shar Peis. Longer and denser coats‚ like that of a Siberian Husky‚ may require more frequent brushing to prevent matting and shedding. Routine care like ear cleaning‚ teeth brushing‚ and nail trimming should also be part of their grooming routine. Also see: Best Dog Shampoos – Reviews &; Top Picks Health and Conditions Both the Shar Pei and Husky breeds have their own set of potential health issues. Shar Peis are prone to skin problems and hip dysplasia‚ while Huskies can have eye conditions and be prone to hip dysplasia as well. A responsible breeder will conduct health screenings on the parent dogs to minimize the risk of genetic health problems in the mixed breed. Minor Conditions Patellar luxation Zinc-responsive dermatosis Eye problems Serious Conditions Elbow and hip dysplasia Laryngeal paralysis Some cancers Kidney problems Hemophilia Epilepsy Male vs Female Male and female Sharberian Huskies will be about the same in temperament and behavior for the most part. You may find that males are somewhat less trusting of strangers‚ and they can also be a bit more aggressive toward other dogs‚ children‚ or anyone who interrupts their meals or is the way of a treat. Females can be a bit less energetic‚ but energy levels‚ especially during exercise‚ are often about the same. 3 Little-Known Facts About the Sharberian Husky 1. Siberian Huskies are known to be expert escape artists. This trait can be passed down to Sharberian huskies as well‚ so be sure that your house‚ apartment‚ or yard is free of hidden areas your dog could escape from. 2. One of the parent-breeds almost went extinct. Shar Peis‚ one of the parent breeds of Sharberian huskies‚ almost went extinct in the 20th century due to political upheaval and war in China. When only 60 remained in the world‚ a global effort to preserve the breed increased their popularity‚ and now their lineage is safely preserved. 3. This dog will need things to do! Sharberian huskies are naturally very hardworking and like vigorous exercise and play. You may be surprised that they’re happier doing an obstacle course or intense training than playing with toys at your feet. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Alpha Lupin (@alpha.lupin) Final Thoughts The Sharberian Husky is a unique and captivating mix of two beloved breeds‚ the Shar Pei and Siberian Husky. While we are still learning about them‚ they have quickly gained popularity as loyal‚ energetic‚ and fascinating companions. As with any pet‚ responsible ownership‚ regular veterinary care‚ and a loving and appropriate environment are essential for their well-being. If you’re considering adding a Sharberian Husky to your family‚ be prepared for an adventure with a special canine companion. Featured Image Credit: Left – Liliya Kulianionak‚ Shutterstock | Right – Saira Sustaita‚ Unsplash The post Sharberian Husky Breed (Shar Pei Husky Mix): Info‚ Pictures‚ Care &; More appeared first on Pet Keen.

Cat litter is a necessity for those who live with feline companions. However‚ the litter box is not the only thing that kitty litter is good for. There happen to be several different ways that it can be used around the house (and outdoors) to enhance your own quality of life in one way or another. Here are interesting cat litter hacks that you should know. The 13 Secret Uses for Cat Litter 1. Freshen Your Shoes Just like kitty litter helps keep the litter box fresh‚ it can freshen up your shoes. The litter absorbs moisture and helps remove odors that are less than pleasant to the nose. To freshen your shoes‚ grab a knee-high nylon‚ or cut a foot off an old pair of pantyhose. Then‚ fill the nylon with about 1 cup of cat litter‚ and tie the end to keep the litter from falling out. Once you have created two “shoe inserts‚” place one in each shoe that you want to freshen up. Leave the litter in the shoes overnight‚ and you should be left with dry shoes that don’t offend the nose when they’re being put on or taken off. Image Credit: AJSTUDIO PHOTOGRAPHY‚ Shutterstock 2. Keep Pests Away While the smell of kitty litter does not generally offend people or household pets‚ it does deter pests like mice and moles. They hate both the texture and smell of kitty litter‚ so it can be used to keep them out of your home. Just pour litter into the tunnels and holes that mice and moles use. Lay down a large amount of litter along the walls in the basement too. This should help ensure that these pests do not take up permanent residence indoors. 3. Save Your Smartphone You have probably heard that submerging a smartphone in rice after it’s been dropped in water can help dry out the insides so it will work again. The process seems to work well for many people! It turns out that cat litter can be even more effective at soaking up moisture that has infiltrated a smartphone. To save your mobile after it’s been submerged in water‚ protect it with an old sock (so litter won’t get inside of it)‚ and then place the sock in a bag of kitty litter. Leave the phone in there for at least 2 days. Once it seems that all the moisture has been absorbed‚ turn it on and test it. Image Credit: Nitiphonphat‚ Shutterstock 4. Give New Life to Used Items Old clothes‚ books‚ stuffed animals‚ and other items can get musty after being stored in the garage or a self-storage unit. It can be tough to sell these things at a garage sale or resale store. Luckily‚ you can freshen up those old things and prepare them for sale with the help of kitty litter. To do so‚ fill the bottom of a large plastic storage bin with kitty litter (at least 2 inches worth)‚ and place the items that you want to freshen up in a single layer on top of the litter. Put the lid on the storage bin‚ and leave everything inside for at least 24 hours. Everything should smell fresh and new when you take it out of the bin afterward. 5. Maintain Seasonal Items You can use kitty litter to keep your seasonal clothes and accessories fresh throughout the year so you don’t have to wash or replace them when you’re ready to use them again. This is made possible by creating “kitty litter sachets.” Just put about 1 cup of cat litter in an old sock‚ then tie the end‚ and you’ve got yourself a sachet. Place one or two sachets in with the tents‚ the packed winter sweaters‚ the coolers‚ and the suitcases full of bathing suits. Image Credit: Larysa Dubinska‚ Shutterstock 6. Safely Dispose of Unused Paint It’s not safe—and often‚ not legal—to pour unused paint onto the ground or down the drain. You cannot throw unused paint away as-is because it can leak and become a hazard. Fortunately‚ you can turn your unused paint into solid waste by mixing it with cat litter. Stir a handful or two of litter into the paint‚ and let it sit uncovered overnight until all the liquid is absorbed‚ adding more litter as necessary throughout the day. At this point‚ you can either throw it away or recycle it‚ depending on your county guidelines. 7. Keep Your Trash Cans Fresh Easily keep your home’s trash cans smelling fresh by sprinkling a small amount of cat litter (a couple of tablespoons should do the trick) onto the bottom of each can. You can put a garbage bag right over it and leave the litter in the bottom for several changes before it should be replaced. Image Credit: Ysbrand Cosijn_Shutterstock 8. Soak Up Nasty Spills Kitty litter is good for getting rid of nasty spills that are almost impossible to clean up with soap and water‚ like oil and grease spills. About 10 pounds of cat litter can sop up 1 gallon of spilled liquid! The fresher the spill‚ the better the kitty litter will work. Just sprinkle a generous amount of your preferred litter on the spill‚ and let it soak up everything for a few hours. Then‚ just clean up the litter. 9. Get Your Vehicle Unstuck If you’re extremely lucky‚ you’ve never been stuck in mud‚ ice‚ or snow while trying to travel in your vehicle. Unfortunately‚ many people have‚ and if they didn’t know about this cat litter trick‚ the experience would be awful. Cat litter is an awesome way to create traction for tires so they can get out of “sticky” situations. So‚ if you know that you’ll be driving in the snow after everything has iced over or in muddy conditions‚ it’s a good idea to keep a bag of kitty litter in the trunk of your vehicle. If you get stuck‚ just put a handful or two of litter under the stuck tire(s)‚ and you should be able to work your way out and get back on the road in no time. Image Credit: fotolyubitel‚ Shutterstock 10. Keep Gardening Soil Moist When the soil in your garden stays moist‚ you don’t have to water it as often. The drier the soil‚ the more often the garden must be watered. Whether you maintain an in-ground or potted garden and whether you manage flower or food plants‚ you can utilize cat litter to help keep the soil moist between waterings. For this to work‚ the litter must be clump-free. Otherwise‚ it will inhibit the ability of water to permeate the soil. Just toss equal parts clay cat litter and gardening soil together to create your base. You can fill new pots and gardens with the mixture‚ or start incorporating it into an already established garden before each planting cycle until you achieve an approximate 50/50 soil mixture. 11. Use It for Crafts Cat litter is the perfect filler for craft projects because it’s cost-effective and holds up well. You can use clay kitty litter to fill the bottoms of vases before putting flowers in them to reduce the chance of the vase falling over. You can refill a stuffed toy or fill up a child’s bean bag with natural litter. You can even use litter as a sand alternative for projects like a boat in a bottle or a Zen garden. The options are only limited to your imagination! Image Credit: Op pakpian‚ Shutterstock 12. Reduce Ashtray Odor If you have ashtrays around the house‚ you know just how stinky they can be. They can also be offensive to visitors who don’t use ashtrays themselves. You can cut down on odors by simply placing a thin layer of cat litter on the base of the ashtray. The litter will absorb odors as the ashtrays are being used and long afterward to help keep your house smelling fresher overall. 13. Fill In Small Holes Whether your gravel driveway is developing small holes or you notice divots in your beautifully manicured backyard‚ you can economically fix the problems by filling them in natural clay cat litter. If you are filling in holes and divots in a part of the yard that is not frequented by people often‚ you can even unload used kitty litter to fill in said inconsistencies. Cat litter is a great filler for areas that are uneven before they are seeded with new grass. Image Credit: Kristi Blokhin‚ Shutterstock Conclusion There are so many great uses for kitty litter other than being a filler for cat restrooms. It’s a good idea to stock up on kitty litter‚ whether you own a cat or not‚ when you see it on sale. You never know when you are going to need it! Featured Image Credit: Seika Chujo‚ Shutterstock The post 13 Secret Uses for Cat Litter: Thinking Outside the Box appeared first on Pet Keen.

A poll manager in Ohio has been "removed" from his position after he was caught on camera bringing dozens of blank provisional ballots into a bar and then leaving them unattended.On March 18‚ the day before Ohio held its 2024 primary election‚ former area law director Mark Provenza and an unidentified male walked into the MAHD House Bar and Grille in Elyria‚ Ohio‚ about 30 miles west of Cleveland. The unidentified male was carrying several large‚ colorful bags that he then placed in a booth. After doing so‚ he shook Provenza's hand and walked back out of the establishment‚ leaving the bags in Provenza's care.Provenza then ordered a beer and some lunch and waited for his rideshare vehicle. At one point during his visit to the bar‚ Provenza walked away from the table‚ leaving the bags unattended. After he returned‚ he placed the large bags inside garbage bags. He then walked out of the bar and climbed into a rideshare car‚ video footage from inside and outside the bar showed. Under normal circumstances‚ Provenza's actions that day would be unremarkable. However‚ James Tucker‚ who owns MAHD House‚ claimed he became "nervous" when he noticed the label on the outside of one of Provenza's bags."After he ordered his dinner‚ he went over and started stuffing these bags‚ which we could see in them‚" Tucker said on a recent podcast. "They said 'ballot' on it‚ and I’m like‚ 'That don’t look right.'""It says right on the side of it that it’s ballots‚" Tucker continued. "We’re right across the street from the Lorain County Board of Elections. I’ve been here seven years — ain’t never seen nobody bring no ballot bags in." Screenshot of 19 News YouTube videoMultiple officials later confirmed to WJW that the man on the video is Provenza‚ who managed the polling station at Saint Nicholas Orthodox Church on a voluntary basis. Director of Lorain County Board of Elections Paul Adams‚ a Democrat‚ claimed that Provenza has since lost his job."That person is no longer in that role and has been replaced and been removed from his position‚" Adams stated.Adams also claimed that Provenza had been working as a polling volunteer "for a handful of years" and "certainly" should have known "better than to do something of this nature."The county board of elections and the sheriff's office as well as the Ohio secretary of state opened investigations into the incident. According to reports‚ all 40 or so provisional ballots in Provenza's bags that day were later found unmolested. "The seals were intact‚" said Lorain County Sheriff’s Capt. Robert Vansant. "Nothing was tampered with. Nothing was missing.""A team of Democrats and Republicans can look at those seals‚ make sure that none of them were open‚ and confirm that all the seal numbers are the proper seal numbers‚" BOE Director Adams added.Vansant said that investigators have not yet seen evidence of any criminal activity‚ but the case has still been handed over to local prosecutors as a precaution. "We always want all cases to be reviewed by a prosecutor just to get a second set of eyes on it‚" he said. "More of a checks and balances to have them look at it."According to reports‚ Provenza acknowledged that he left the ballots briefly unattended but claimed they always remained in his line of vision. He also explained that he put the bags into garbage bags to protect the ballots from the weather. He did not respond to WJW's request for comment.Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors‚ sign up for our newsletters‚ and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

Biden declaring Easter “Trans Day of Visibility” probably just sank his already sinking ship. The inevitable outrage that ensued was instant and furious. One conservative commentator who paused his Easter celebrations to rip into Biden’s blasphemous remarks was Patrick Bet-David. “The White House chose to celebrate transgenders – the 0.1% of America‚” Bet ranted‚ adding that Easter is a day for “celebrating resurrection.” “The level of disgrace that this brings to us as a country and to the rest of the world that our president wrote this and announced this yesterday … is a spit in the face to many Christians around the nation.” “You shouldn't be okay with this‚ and you ought to stand up for yourself and realize that this is not acceptable. It's time for Christians to stop being so tolerant with this type of behavior‚” Bet-David continued‚ noting that “this isn't a left‚ right‚ [or] center thing” but rather a “Christian” thing. “If you're a Christian and your life – God – comes before your political party‚ you ought to stand up. If your political party comes before your faith‚ don't do anything about it. You decide what you value more – how you vote or how you pray.” “If we get those orders right‚ the future looks bright‚ but if we stop fearing God and no longer want the favor of God‚ the future doesn't look as bright‚” he concluded. Dave Rubin applauds his friend’s words. “Karl Popper's paradox of tolerance” claims that “if you are tolerant of intolerance‚ then eventually that intolerance will eat you‚” he says. “That is what the woke did to the liberals. The liberals were all tolerant‚ and tolerance is good until a point – but the liberals could not figure out what that point was. Thus now the Democrat Party has burst forth in all of this insanity.” But Bet-David’s second point is what Dave finds most important. “We have God-given rights; that's what the founders intended‚” says Dave. “Now you may be an atheist or purely secular … so if you don't want to call them God-given‚ then they're innately human [rights] ... but the point is‚ the government did not give us these rights‚ meaning if the government fell tomorrow … you don't lose your rights. The government is set up to protect your rights.” To watch Patrick Bet-David’s social media video and hear more of Dave’s commentary‚ watch the clip below. Want more from Dave Rubin?To enjoy more honest conversations‚ free speech‚ and big ideas with Dave Rubin‚ subscribe to BlazeTV — the largest multi-platform network of voices who love America‚ defend the Constitution‚ and live the American dream.

A federal judge issued Hunter Biden a decisive legal defeat on Monday.Earlier this year‚ Hunter's attorneys filed eight motions to dismiss criminal tax charges against him. Among other reasons‚ they argued the nine-count indictment should be tossed because:Hunter has immunity stemming from a pretrial diversion agreement that was part of a controversial plea deal that eventually fell through last summer;Special counsel David Weiss was unlawfully appointed and his appointment violates the Appropriations Clause;Hunter is the victim of selective and vindictive prosecution;Hunter has suffered due process violations because of "outrageous government conduct." But United States District Judge Mark Scarsi bought none of Hunter's arguments.In an extensive 82-page ruling that was handed down weeks before his self-imposed deadline of April 17‚ Judge Scarsi decimated each argument that Hunter's attorneys made in their motions to dismiss.1. ImmunityLeaning on standard interpretive rules for contracts‚ Scarsi determined that Biden's pretrial diversion agreement is not in effect‚ and thus Hunter does not have immunity."Having found that the Diversion Agreement is a contract that binds the parties but that the parties made the Probation Officer’s signature a condition precedent to its performance‚ the Court turns to Defendant’s theory of immunity: that the United States’ obligation to refrain from prosecuting Defendant ... is currently in force. It is not‚" Scarsi ruled.2. Weiss' appointmentScarsi found that Hunter's argument regarding Weiss' appointment — and specifically his appointment as a special counsel — "clearly places form over substance." That's because Hunter's attorneys conceded multiple times in their filings that Attorney General Merrick Garland has the statutory authority "to appoint a prosecutor.""Following Defendant’s logic‚ the Attorney General could have appointed Mr. Weiss 'Designated Counsel' pursuant to the Attorney General’s statutory authority and the issue Defendant complains of would disappear. That the Attorney General used the term 'Special Counsel' instead of some other term similarly indicative of an independent counsel is a distinction without a difference‚" Scarsi explained.Moreover‚ Scarsi determined that "Weiss is lawfully funded through the indefinite appropriation‚ and the Appropriations Clause has not been violated."3. Selective and vindictive prosecutionScarsi not only ruled against Hunter‚ but the judge scolded Hunter's argument and evidence — or lack thereof."As the Court stated at the hearing‚ Defendant filed his motion without any evidence‚" Scarsi wrote."The motion is remarkable in that it fails to include a single declaration‚ exhibit‚ or request for judicial notice. Instead‚ Defendant cites portions of various Internet news sources‚ social media posts‚ and legal blogs. These citations‚ however‚ are not evidence‚" he continued. "To that end‚ the Court may deny the motion without further discussion."Still‚ Scarsi gave Hunter's argument some discussion.The evidence Hunter's attorneys provided to support their allegations are "only conjecture‚" Scarsi said. And even then‚ the judge found those circumstantial allegations to be "thin" — at best.4. Due process violationsHunter's attorneys argued that Hunter's due process rights were violated by the actions of the two IRS whistleblowers‚ claiming they leaked confidential information about Hunter's taxes.Not only did Scarsi disagree‚ but he explained that it would not be appropriate for the court to exercise its "supervisory powers" on the motion."Aside from failing to substantiate his allegations that the agents influenced the prosecutorial decision with anything but speculation‚ Defendant offers no case in which a court exercised supervisory powers to dismiss an indictment due to conduct that impacts the fundamental decision to prosecute‚" Scarsi wrote."Defendant offers no facts to suggest that the information Shapley and Ziegler shared publicly had any prejudicial effect on the grand jury’s decision to return an indictment‚" he explained. "That Shapley and Ziegler’s public statements brought notoriety to Defendant’s case is not enough to show prejudice."What's next?Abbe Lowell‚ Hunter's lead attorney‚ suggested in a statement on Monday that Hunter may appeal Scarsi's ruling."We strongly disagree with the Court’s decision and will continue to vigorously pursue Mr. Biden’s challenges to the abnormal way the Special Counsel handled this investigation and charged this case‚" Lowell said.Unless Scarsi's ruling is overturned‚ Monday's decision means the first son is headed to trial‚ which is scheduled to begin on June 20.Meanwhile‚ U.S. District Judge Maryellen Noreika has not yet ruled on Hunter's motions to dismiss his federal gun crimes. Many of his arguments in that case mirror those that Scarsi rejected. If Noreika takes the same views as Scarsi‚ Hunter will begin trial for that case on June 3.Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors‚ sign up for our newsletters‚ and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

Oregon's Democratic Gov. Tina Kotek ratified legislation Monday re-criminalizing the possession of small amounts of drugs‚ bringing a fatal leftist experiment to an end. Narco state In 2020‚ radicals in the Beaver State figured that the best way to tackle addiction and perceived "systems of oppression" would be to enable addicts to openly carry illicit drugs such as heroin‚ cocaine‚ and methamphetamin without legal consequence. This decriminalization initiative took on the form of Measure 110‚ which reclassified possession of a controlled substance in Schedule I-IV from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class E violation. The Democratic Party of Oregon‚ Multnomah Democrats‚ several medical unions‚ the ACLU of Oregon‚ NAACP Portland‚ NARAL Pro-Choice Oregon‚ and various other leftist outfits championed the measure. The Oregon Association Chiefs of Police‚ various recovery groups‚ the Oregon Catholic Conference‚ and the Washington County Republican Party were among those who understood the decriminalization scheme was a recipe for disaster‚ reported Ballotpedia. Naomi Schaefer Riley‚ a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute‚ warned that "such measures lower the risk and the cost of doing business for drug dealers and increase the supply of these drugs on streets across the country. Drugs will be cheaper and easier to get for adults already suffering from untreated mental illness‚ poverty or abuse. And the effects will be felt most severely by children." Washington County District Attorney Kevin Barton underscored‚ "This is a terrible idea. It's disconnected to what's best for Oregonians. It will lead to increased crime and increased drug use." Measure 110 went to a vote in November 2020 and 58.5% of voters indicated they were on board. Kassandra Frederique‚ the executive director of the Drug Policy Alliance‚ touted the result as a "paradigm-shifting win and arguably the biggest blow to the war on drugs to date‚" adding‚ "Oregon showed the world that a more humane‚ compassionate approach is possible." The law took effect in February 2021. Fatal failure It turns out normalizing the use of hard drugs was indeed "a terrible idea." After all‚ earlier this year‚ Gov. Kotek‚ Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler‚ and Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson each declared a 90-day state of emergency to address the out-of-control overdoses in the state. Newsweek reported that between 2020 and 2022‚ overdose deaths in Oregon skyrocketed by 75%. By way of comparison‚ overdose death increased by only 18% nationally during the same two-year stretch. Opioid overdoses in the Beaver State during this period increased by 101% and meth-involved overdoses increased by 112%. Violent crime increased by 17% after Measure 110 passed‚ while public drug use and homeless camps full of junkies became ubiquitous. Portland remains one of America's seedier cities‚ ranking 1 on Neighborhood Scout's crime index where 100 is safest. To make matters worse‚ as drugs were freely flowing through the streets of Oregon and crime was on the rise‚ the state also saw one of the largest increases in homelessness in the nation. The Oregonian reported that between 2020 and 2022‚ the state saw an increase in its homeless population from 3‚304 homeless persons to roughly 18‚000. The public quickly soured on the decriminalization scheme‚ with even radicals like Mayor Ted Wheeler of Portland seeking some return to sanity. Correcting a 'huge mistake' Kotek ratified House Bill 4002 on Monday‚ effectively reversing Measure 110. Under the law‚ which had bipartisan support‚ a court can lock up an individual found in possession of illegal drugs for up to 180 days or sentence them to 18 months of probation. Jail sentences can be reduced "for any day the defendant is on release to a treatment program or previously served in-custody." The law‚ which prevents courts from imposing fines or fees for a drug possession conviction‚ won't go into effect until Sept. 1. The Statesman Journal reported that during testimony at the state legislature‚ the Oregon Public Defense Commission indicated it would have to hire 39 new full-time public defenders just to accommodate the glut of incoming suspects charged for drug offenses under the bill. "We must acknowledge that Oregon's number of unrepresented persons will likely increase due to House Bill 4002‚" Kotek wrote in a letter to the speaker of the state House and the president of the state Senate. While critical of Measure 110 and its fallout‚ Wheeler still appears unwilling to condemn the idea animating the decriminalization movement‚ telling the New York Times that "the state botched the implementation. ... To decriminalize the use of drugs before you actually had the treatment services in place was obviously a huge mistake." "The truth is that addiction rates and overdose rates skyrocketed. I personally do not attribute all of that to the passage of Measure 110‚" added Wheeler. "It was very easy for the public to draw a line between the passage of Measure 110‚ the decriminalization of hard drugs‚ the increase in addiction and the increase in overdoses — and criminal activity associated with drugs." Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors‚ sign up for our newsletters‚ and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!